Music Clearances 101: How to Secure Amazing Music for Your Film, TV or Digital Project

If you're a filmmaker, producer or any creative/professional looking to incorporate music into your film & television, advertising or digital project, you'll need to understand the basics steps of how to secure the rights for the music you desire to use. From well known hit songs from major recording artists, to indie bands, to public domain, to original compositions and cover songs of historical and iconic music hits, you need to be armed with all the knowledge of clearing the rights to that music for your project to protect yourself legally and in order for it to play at festivals, screen theatrically, stream on the internet or be released on DVD/VOD. 

The memorable song you heard on the internet. You can't get it out of your head. You would so love to use it in your opening credits. Is it available to be used and licensed if you want to screen your film theatrically? What type of rights will you need to obtain if you plan on distributing your project globally? What about that jukebox song your editor temped into the background during one of your bar scenes - is that okay to use? And for how much will the licensing fee be for the rights you need? (You may just be surprised to the upside!) These are just some of the need to know details and nuances you need to know to be sure you can secure the music that can make or break your film, but also protect yourself legally.